Guard Duty....

Another wonderful aspect of the Army that, unfortunately, we all have to endure at one time or another while we are here in theater. It amazes me at how slow time passes when you have nothing to do but stare down a barren alleyway for 8 straight hours. Not even the casual conversation with my newly found foreign friends could drown out the resounding boom of the second hand on my watch...TIC...TOC...TIC...TOC....

It seemed an eternity

However, those fresh bonds formed from my extroverted handshake and simple conversation seemed to have a lasting impression. Australian infantryman...I never would have guessed in a million years that I would have ever talked to, let alone made friends with, ANY person from that side of the world. Our talks would range anywhere from rugby to our significant others and where we were planning on going for our R & R. Our Aussie counterparts would switch out personnel every hour on the hour. So, each new sentry reinforced the hours were passing, and our time was growing shorter for the day.

The final day of our duty had come, and I was actually begrudging the fact. I found myself actually wanting to stay out there...staring at the back of a STOP sign...hoping someone would keep driving, and force me to squeeze the trigger. The moment I those thoughts sneak into my head, the rational part of me begins to retort...

You're a nurse. You help people get well, not facilitate their demise. I had been listening to the adrenalized ranting of the Aussie's for an entire week, and it had started to take a hold of my inner warrior. I somewhat envied them for their line of work, and at the same time I revelled in the fact that I am where I am...in a hospital, somewhat safe. Safer than most places here anyway.

My thoughts, while gazing at the cold, grey concrete walls that bordered the entry point to our post, always drifted to Cheyenne. She is my rock. She is my best friend, my confidant. I have told her this time and time again. I hope she knows that what I say is truth, without faltering foundation. My wife...my love...my everything. She gets me through each day here in this place...whether she realizes it or not.